Rendlesham Parish Council have received an increase in complaints from residents about dog owners who do not clean up after their pets.

One resident, who did not wish to named, said: “Isn’t it lovely how toddlers walk along the pavement drinking in all that is around them, stopping to see the bushes more closely, examining the insects, picking the flowers to smell, really being alert to all the wonders around us?

“How lovely that they take the time to stop and look.

“What a shame then, when we have to drag them away to avoid the dog faeces in the middle of the pavement.”

In May a man was seen to fail to clear up after his dog fouled a grass verge in the village and paid a fixed penalty fine of £80.

Dog waste can be put in any bin, and the maximum fine for not cleaning up is £1,000.

Rendlesham Parish Council Chair Kay Nash said: “The Parish Council are committed to keeping the streets of Rendlesham clean and actively tackling the issue of dog fouling, or more specifically those owners who fail to clear up after their dogs.

“It’s unpleasant for everyone and tarnishes the good reputation of those responsible dog owners who do clear up after their dogs.

The parish chair also said that the council provide free doggie bags and had carried out a survey to make sure bins are where they are needed.

They are also working with Suffolk Coastal District Council to catch offenders and provide helpful information, such as an anonymous reporting line.

She added: “We hope that by tackling this matter we can start to eliminate this anti-social behaviour.”

District councillor and environment cabinet member Andrew Nunn said: “Not only is dog waste unpleasant, but it can also have serious health consequences particularly with small children who may come into contact with it.

“Dog owners need to act responsibly and clean up after their pets. Otherwise, they can be reported and will have to face the consequences.”